An old, swirly, variable-line-weight type of font question.
December 1, 2014 6:42 PM   Subscribe

I like this font rather a lot, and would like to find a decently high resolution version for a small project. Don't need ttf files, but do need letters too!

I'm making a deck of cards for fun with some friends, and we ran across a typeface that we really like - but it's just a low-ish picture of the numerals (and thus missing the necessary A K Q J).

What fonts come close to this style? We like the combination of swirly bits and pointy bits, the variable line spacing, the funny looking 2, and are typographic ignoramuses who are having trouble further specifying what we like. Ideas?
posted by heyforfour to Media & Arts (5 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite
 
So, to give you some more knowledge to help in your own searching, this kind of font is a modern serif. The characteristics of modern fonts: (as outlined in that link)
1. High and abrupt contrast between thick and thin strokes;
2. Abrupt (unbracketed) hairline (thin) serifs
3. Vertical axis
4. Horizontal stress
5. Small aperture
The problem with this being that people also like to say things are modern when they're new, and new fonts are the exact opposite (san serif, all the same line weight, etc.)

That font is almost %100 guaranteed to be custom. But here are some random fonts I found that you guys might like:
Giacinta Ornate (Spurs, not swirls. and the line weight doesn't vary, but it's still fun)
LHF Signmaker
Antique Shop
Hamilton Ornate
posted by FirstMateKate at 8:12 PM on December 1, 2014 [2 favorites]


What fonts come close to this style?

Look for neighbors of Bodoni that have the custom details you like.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 8:43 PM on December 1, 2014


Vtks Lovers is not exactly the same but does have some pointy & curly elements.

Or maybe Hilda Sonnenschein.

Tyrfing maybe but I find it a bit hard to read.

Penelope would make cool playing cards but doesn't look like it has numbers.

Chaillot is pretty nice.

Good luck! Sounds like a cool project.

(FirstMateKate, that Letterhead Fonts website is beautiful!)
posted by Beti at 8:56 PM on December 1, 2014 [1 favorite]


Here are a few that you may like:
Encorpada

Acta Display

Santis

Reina

Bridone

Moliere

Lust Slim

posted by biscuits at 2:23 PM on December 2, 2014


The word you want is "didone" and cool free ones include many already mentioned, plus:

Pistilli Roman

K22 Didoni

Fette Bauersche Antiqua

Or if you have a little money to spend, you might like the more fanciful

Pauline Didone

Model 4F

Domani CP

That swirly 2 is sui generis though. I've never seen a revival of quite that form.
posted by zadcat at 10:12 PM on December 2, 2014


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